A bookstore based in Durham has officially opened its doors of a new location in downtown Carrboro.

Golden Fig Books celebrated its grand opening in Carr Mill Mall on Friday, November 18, expanding to a second store. The business, which is independently owned by David Bradley, moved into the mall space previously filled by Townsend Bertram & Company, which closed in 2020.

Bradley is a UNC alumnus and Durham resident, who told Chapelboro he’s spent a lot of time in Carrboro over his time in the Triangle. But during those visits, he said he longed for there to be a big bookstore in town.

“I’ve sort of been amazed that no one has beaten me to the punch, honestly,” said Bradley. “I wasn’t thinking I was mentally ready to open another [location], but found this spot available for rent and thought ‘I have to try.’ It’s the perfect spot near Weaver Street, right in the center of Carrboro. It’s a beautiful space.”

Bradley opened Golden Fig Books in 2019 after working as the store manager for Letters Bookshop for several years and previously working in the publishing and book sales industries. The initial location, which is off Durham-Chapel Hill Boulevard near Hope Valley Road, earned its reputation for offering a mix of new, used and children’s books. The Carrboro store will offer the same things, and be open a full seven days each week compared to the Durham store.

A handful of guests browse the selection at Golden Fig Books in Carrboro before the store’s grand opening on November 18.

A view of the entrance, new children’s books space and checkout counter with Golden Fig apparel.

Once the new space gets up to speed, Bradley said he plans for the Golden Fig website to update its used book offerings to reflect what’s available in each location.

“It could potentially allow people to order a used book from the other store and increase the accessibility for everybody,” he described.

Bradley also said he looks forward to using the Carrboro store for hosting more author events. Because the initial Durham space only was open a year before the COVID-19 pandemic limited such events, and because the Carr Mill Mall space is bigger, he said he plans to schedule more special programming.

“It’s something I really enjoy and I think is really beneficial for the community,” the owner said. “So, that’s something I’m looking forward to getting more experience with once we get things up and running.”

Golden Fig Books in Carrboro is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, as well as 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. Book inventories for the two stores can be found on the business’ website.

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